Alabama

Rutledge focused on Omaha

(Associated Press)Alabama junior shortstop Josh Rutledge was drafted by the Colorado Rockies, but said winning the Super Regional against Clemson is his priority.

Less than 24 hours after one of the most satisfying moments of his baseball career, Alabama junior shortstop Josh Rutledge experienced another.

"One of the most exciting days I've been a part of," Rutledge said. "I'm kind of glad it's over with. Now I can focus on this season."

Rutledge was among seven members of Alabama's recently crowned NCAA regional champion baseball team to be selected in this week's major league draft. The draft started Monday night during a 10-8 victory at Georgia Tech that secured the Crimson Tide's entry into a best-of-three Super Regional beginning Saturday at Clemson.

The top three are all juniors with the possibility this postseason is their final one with Alabama, not that they want to dwell on it now.

"Those offers, they took us, and they can wait until after we're done, whether we go to Omaha (for the College World Series) or whatever," Nelson said. "They know our priorities right now are on winning a Super Regional and going to Omaha."

Nelson was in Alabama's training room with teammates when news arrived about Milwaukee's selection. He called it "surreal," and by that night had a new Brewers cap. Rutledge spoke to former Crimson Tide slugger Kent Matthes, who was drafted by the Rockies last year. Wilson was surprised he went as high as he did, saying, "I didn't expect it at all."

Georgia Tech pitcher Deck McGuire was chosen in the first round Monday night. With the game ongoing, McGuire didn't wish to have it announced on the public-address system at Russ Chandler Stadium. In the aftermath of a season-ending loss, McGuire delivered a statement through tears but didn't field questions.

The timing of the MLB draft is unlike the NFL and NBA because each year it falls in the middle of the most important portion of the college baseball season. It looms each year as an enormous potential distraction for teams still playing after the first stage of the NCAA tournament, which Alabama is for the first time since 2006.

"At least at this point, by having it now and being completed with it, the guys know where they're drafted at," Crimson Tide coach Mitch Gaspard said. "I know our guys are locked in on what we have to do."

Gaspard congratulated each of his draftees with text messages and doesn't think it's necessary to address the draft with this team.

Nelson and Wilson each said they'd prefer to see the draft moved until a few weeks after the season.

Nelson is likely turning pro after being selected so high and the same could be said of Rutledge. If the shortstop from Cullman returns, it would be for academic reasons; he said he lacks 30 hours (roughly two semesters) to graduate.